Flashing lights, fog, loud music, neon nights and goofy bowling shoes. That's a night on the town around here.

At Centennial Lanes in Longmont, they call it Thunder Alley.

They dim the lights, crank up the black lights, pour the beer and turn up the music, much like a club. But in addition to glow-in-the-dark balls, bowling nights out on the town have something most clubs don't: organized active competitions, sometimes with the possibility of winning big.

"They turn the lights off, and you can win money for getting spares and strikes when you have a colored head pin," she says. "(My husband) likes going that night because he can win his money back."

Between games, you can buy "jackpot" tickts, with the chance of winning up to $100, depending on the number of people participating, says Carol Angstead, assistant manager.

The challenges aren't easy — like make two strikes on two different lanes of the announcer's choice — but McKenzie's seen it happen. In a way, it's better than gambling. Because here, you control the odds, by controlling the bowling ball. And McKenzie has pretty good control of the ball.

It's not the typical bar scene, but a bowling alley can be a fun, nontraditional entertainment option for the weekend, she says.

She likes to get big groups of friends together to occupy multiple lanes.

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"So it is like our very own party, with bartenders, even," she says. "We always have a great time."

The Connection is Boulder's only bowling alley, located on the first floor of the University Memorial Center on the University of Colorado campus. Last year, The Connection celebrated its 50th anniversary; other than some upgrades, the alley aims to preserve its original atmosphere, says Matt Laughlin, cashier.

The big nights here are Mondays, with all-you-can-bowl-and-drink (soda, not beer) for two hours for $8; and on Fridays and Saturdays, when The Connection unrolls Extreme Bowling.

Starting at 7 p.m., the alley comes to life with black lights, disco balls and neon lights. The Program Council often organizes concerts next door, which adds to the club atmosphere. Laughlin says.

The Connection also is the only place in Boulder with 9-foot, regulation-sized pool tables, he adds.

"It's a big mixture of people. A ton of students, high school kids, families — everybody can enjoy it, because it's the closest place to bowl in Boulder and our prices are reasonable," Laughlin says.

Extreme Bowling costs $3 per person per game for students and $4 for the general public, plus $2.50 for shoes.

Looking for some other area theme nights at bowling alleys?

Chipper's Lanes in Broomfield: Here, you can find an arcade, bar, glow-in-the-dark bowling Friday and Saturday nights after 9 p.m. and even laser tag — right in the bowling alley. Note: Check out all-you-can-play laser tag for $10 on Thursdays.

Chipper's Lane on North College in Fort Collins: There's something going on here every day, according to the website. Find "cosmic bowling," with glow-in-the-dark lights and music, every night. Plus "spin to win" games, "Boogie On Bowling," drink specials, live music and moonlight bowling where you can win cash. Every Wednesday, a DJ from 99.9 The Point hosts The Big Lebowlski, with cheap games, prizes, dim lights and loud music.

Sweetheart Lanes in Loveland: Find glow-in-the-dark bowling here Friday and Saturday nights. Look for glowing colored pins in your lane. If you get a strike with a colored pin, you earn a free game. Also look for $2 games on Wednesdays and 99 cent "no taps" on Tuesdays; if you hit nine pins, it counts as a strike.